STANDING FIRM IN the face of a roaring tiger isn't easy, but there are rich rewards for the victims of child abuse who use this new virtual technology to cope with trauma.
In one of City University's science labs, Sun (not his real name) navigates his way through a world of virtual reality. The 11-year-old is a victim of child abuse and is trying this new therapy that blends art with interactive technology.
'I [said] it was good to have him here - he looked surprised,' says Julia Byrne, president of the Hong Kong Association of Art Therapists. 'Validating his worth should be a new concept for him.'
Smart Ambience Therapy (SAT) is a $1.4 million programme developed by a group of scientists at City University in conjunction with local art therapists, and Sun is one of nine child-abuse victims testing the treatment.
From an early age, Sun was emotionally abused by his parents, who were too busy to provide proper care. He became aggressive, both at home and at school. He neglected his personal hygiene and lacked discipline. His parents sent him to live with his grandparents, but things didn't improve. They lacked patience, were prone to losing their temper and often resorted to violence. Sun's father eventually sought help from a social worker, who referred him to Byrne - and she put him through SAT.
Byrne says art therapy offers children an outlet to express their feelings and can pave the way for them to overcome behavioural and emotional difficulties and learn vital emotional skills.